Mother and daughter ‘bludgeoned’

A 19-year-old accused of bludgeoning a mother and daughter after they disturbed him ransacking their Warwick home faced court yesterday.

Lesley Jonathon Cameron, who has young children and a pregnant girlfriend, showed no emotion and was not required to plead to two counts of murder and one each of aggravated burglary and stealing a motor vehicle when he appeared in Perth Magistrate’s Court.

Police will allege he broke into the home of Maureen Horstman and her daughter Tamara some time after 9am on Sunday, killed them both and stole Miss Horstman’s blue Mazda.

The car was found the next day, abandoned less than a kilometre from the Mirrabooka home where Mr Cameron was arrested on Tuesday morning.

About 40 neighbours hugged and shed tears as they laid flowers at the Horstmans’ Felgate Place home last night as a tribute. Carolyn, who organised the gathering, said it was a “way of expressing our sorrow and showing we care”.

It is understood Miss Horstman’s twin brother Nicholas had left the home early on Sunday.

He called paramedics when he returned about 2pm and found the women in separate rooms, with injuries to their heads and bodies.

One Felgate Place resident, John, plans to talk to neighbours about

Tamara Horstman Maureen Horstman

closing a lane that adjoins the women’s home, claiming it provides a “hidden thoroughfare” from nearby Warwick train station.

He said security cameras or improved lighting in the area were other options.

“What has happened is terrible and it has put everyone on edge, particularly women,” John said.

Someone stole his wife’s car last month after sneaking into their house while they were at home and he said they felt lucky they lost only material things.

Another resident said the women’s deaths made people feel they were not safe in their homes.

Miss Horstman’s brother posted a message on Facebook to thank people for their support.

Former colleagues of his mother offered their sympathy in a tribute published in The West Australian: “Maureen was the most kind, gentle and loving soul and will be sadly missed.”

Mr Cameron did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to face Stirling Gardens Magistrate’s Court this month.